Engineered timber boards sometimes get a hard time in relation to solid wood when it comes to durability. But this isn’t really deserved. There are fans of solid wood flooring who simply can’t accept that engineered wood flooring is a viable alternative. But in fact, engineered timber boards have stood the test of time and are proving their appeal, day in and day out.
When it comes to durability, at Wood and Beyond, we believe that there are 6 key things that affect how long your engineered wood floor is likely to last. They are:
- Quality
- Finish
- Area where the floor is fitted
- Care
- Thickness
- Quality of installation
Quality
Like most things in life, the quality of floor you choose will have a direct impact on how durable the floor is likely to be. While it is possible to get quality engineered wood flooring at a great price, cheap options don’t always mean you get the quality you need or deserve. When you choose your floor, you should always buy from a reputed supplier who has a proven track record. You should also seek out guarantees and warranties to protect you in the future. At Wood and Beyond we’ve sold thousands of wood floors to thousands of happy customers who keep coming back for more.
Finish
Different finishes provide different levels of protection, and choosing the right finish is an essential part of making sure your floor stands up to the challenges you’re going to throw at it. If you have a busy household with high or heavy footfall, the likes of a lacquered finish enables you to mop up spills easily and without fear or long-lasting harm. An oiled finish on the other hand will let you have a natural look but will call for a bit more vigilance when it comes to little accidents around the home. That said, an oiled finish is better than a lacquered finish for disguising traffic wear and tear across your floors. The bottom line is that if you’re concerned about durability, you should ask us for guidance on which finish is likely to work best where and under what circumstances. We’ll be more than happy to help.
Area where the floor is fitted
Not surprisingly, where your floor is fitted will affect its life expectancy. Floors in halls, kitchens and busy living rooms can take a real beating in hectic homes. Dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms get it easier. So again, when you’re choosing your floor, take into account the amount of traffic your room is likely to get. When you choose a floor for your hallway, it’s perhaps worth considering a thicker top layer so you can sand and finish the floor more often in its lifetime. The bottom line is that it’s always worth investing a tiny bit more at the start if long term value is important to you.
Care
Looking after your floor is an important part of making sure it stays looking good for a long time, and lasts as long as it should. Care of engineered wood flooring couldn’t be simpler, but many people get it wrong. All that should be needed is a light, regular vacuuming, followed by a damp mop. While every floor comes with care instructions, many people kill their floors with kindness. They think they’re doing the right thing by washing them with too much water or adding too many products. In most cases, when it comes to good wood floor care, less is more.
Thickness
The thickness of top layer of engineered timber boards engineered you select impacts on durability for two different reasons. Firstly, a thicker top layer means that your floor will stand up to more wear and tear. Secondly, a thicker top layer means that you can sand and refinish your floor more often than you could with a thinner top layer. Once again, if durability is one of your deciding factors, you should be considering the thickness of top layer or lamella you choose.
Quality of installation
A well laid floor will always last longer than a poorly laid floor – it’s that simple. If your sub-floor is poorly prepared or uneven, you’ll end up with an uneven or unstable floor. This means that gaps can appear, you’ll get uneven wear and tear, and your floor will soon start to look tatty. Preparation is an essential part of a good wood flooring installation and preparing your sub-floor is a really important part of your prep that shouldn’t be rushed or ignored.
If you’re buying a wood floor of any sort and are concerned about durability, at Wood and Beyond we’re here to answer your questions. It’s important to us to make sure you get the right floor for your budget and for your project; both now and for the years to come. So all you need to do is get in touch.
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FAQ
Question: How does the quality of engineered timber boards impact their durability?
Answer: The quality of engineered timber boards directly affects their durability. Higher quality flooring tends to last longer, especially if purchased from a reputable supplier with a proven track record, guarantees, and warranties.
Question: How does the finish on engineered timber boards influence their durability?
Answer: Different finishes provide varying levels of protection. For instance, a lacquered finish is ideal for areas with high footfall, as it allows for easy cleaning of spills. An oiled finish, while providing a more natural look, may require more care. However, it is better at disguising wear and tear from traffic.
Question: How does the area where the floor is fitted affect its lifespan?
Answer: The area where the floor is fitted significantly affects its lifespan. Floors in high-traffic areas like halls, kitchens, and busy living rooms experience more wear and tear than those in dining rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms. Choosing a thicker top layer for high-traffic areas might enhance the longevity of the floor.
Question: What care is required for engineered timber boards to ensure their longevity?
Answer: To maintain engineered timber boards, light regular vacuuming followed by a damp mop is all that’s needed. Overcleaning or using excessive water or cleaning products can harm the floor. When it comes to wood floor care, less is often more.
Question: How does the thickness of the top layer of engineered timber boards impact their durability?
Answer: The thickness of the top layer, or lamella, influences durability in two ways. A thicker top layer can withstand more wear and tear, and it can also be sanded and refinished more often than a thinner one, which can enhance the floor’s lifespan.